History~In the Spirit Liturgical Dance Ministry~
In 2000, Sister Lisa Moses (formerly Lisa Sampson) approached Rev. Dr. Timothy West with a vision for a liturgical dance ministry at Westphalia United Methodist Church (UMC). Sister Moses expressed a desire that God had placed upon her heart to share the gift of dance with others. With Rev. Dr. West’s blessing, Sister Moses built the foundation for the “In the Spirit” dance ministry of Westphalia UMC.
The liturgical dance ministry began with six women who answered God’s call to minister the Word of God to the people of God through dance. Shortly after the birth of the ministry, the ladies would prayerfully select “In the Spirit” as the name that would represent the vision for the ministry. The first piece ministered unto the congregation was "Let Us Worship Him" by Yolanda Adams. Sister Moses served as chairperson for the adult dance ministry (and the youth dance ministry, which was later formed) until October of 2001, faithfully carrying forth God's vision as the ministry grew in spirit and in numbers.
Sister Moses was succeeded in leadership by Westphalia’s very own First Lady, Stephanie West. Under the leadership of Sister West, the ministry continued to expand -- not only in numbers -- but in its focus on the importance of continually building on one’s relationship with God, the importance of prayer, reliance on the Word of God and application of the Word in each person’s life. During this time, God continued to make plain His vision for In the Spirit, growing and stretching the ministry in order to spread God’s Word to the congregation of Westphalia UMC and outside the walls of the church.
In January of 2009, Minister Josie Hoover answered God's call to lead the liturgical dance ministry, with Sister West serving as the ministry's spiritual advisor. The first piece ministered under Minister Hoover's leadership, "Move Forward", is representative of what God continues to do in the life of this ministry. As of July 2009, the adult ministry consisted of 20 members and 21 youth dancers. The ministry also sponsors an open season annually to give others the opportunity to learn more about and explore their call to the ministry of liturgical dance.
In the Spirit Liturgical Dance Ministry extends far beyond dance. It is a sisterhood filled with women who desire to seek God individually and collectively, praying with one another and committing to use the gifts that God has blessed each person with to glorify His name and send the message of God's love to His people.
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